OUTLINES A FEW RULES & PITFALLS

What is it?  A general plan of the material that is to be presented in a speech or a paper  Shows:  order of the various topics  relative importance of each part  relationship between the various parts

Order in an Outline MMMMany different ways to arrange parts of a subject CCCChronological arrangement - ordered by time SSSSpatial arrangement – descriptive GGGGeneral to specific. BBBBegin with general idea TTTThen support it with specific examples

Types of Outlines  Topic outline - Headings are given in single words or brief phrases  Sentence outline - All headings are expressed in complete sentences.

Rules for Outlining  Subdivide topics by a system of numbers and letters, followed by a period.  I.  A.  B.  1.  2.  a.  b.  II.  A.  B.

More Rules for Outlining  Each heading and subheading must have at least two parts –every A needs a B, every 1 needs a 2, etc.  Headings for parts of the paper of speech such as Introduction, Body, and Conclusion should not be used.  Be consistent. Do not mix up the two types of outlines. Use either whole sentences of brief phrases, but not both.

Thesis Statement or Summarizing Sentence  All outlines should begin with a thesis statement or summarizing sentence.  This sentence presents the central idea of the paper.  It must always be a complete, grammatical sentence - specific and brief.

Examples- Topic Outline Choices in College and After  Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work. I. Two decisions described  A. Art history or chemistry 1. Professional considerations 1. Professional considerations 2. Personal considerations 2. Personal considerations  B. A third year of French? 1. Practical advantages of knowing a foreign language 1. Practical advantages of knowing a foreign language 2. Intellectual advantages 2. Intellectual advantages 3. The issue of necessity 3. The issue of necessity II. Definition of the problem II. Definition of the problem  A. Decisions about occupation  B. Decisions about a kind of life to lead III. Temporary resolution of the problem  A. To hold open a professional possibility: chemistry  B. To take advantage of cultural gains already made: French

Examples- Sentence Outline Choices in College and After  Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work. I. I have two decisions to make with respect to choosing college courses in the immediate future. A. One is whether to elect a course in art history or in chemistry. 1. One time in my life, I planned to be a chemical engineer professionally. 2. On the other hand, I enjoy art and plan to travel and see more of it. B. The second decision is whether to continue a third year of French beyond the basic college requirement. 1. French might be useful both in engineering and travel. 2. Furthermore, I am eager to read good books which are written in French. 3. How necessary are these considerations in the light of other courses I might take instead? II. My problem can be put in the form of a dilemma involving larger questions about my whole future. A. On the one hand I want to hold a highly-trained position in a lucrative profession. B. On the other hand I want to lead a certain kind of life, with capacities for values not connected with the making of money. III. I will have to make a decision balancing the conflicting needs I have described. A. I will hold open the professional possibilities by electing chemistry. B. I will improve and solidify what cultural proficiency in another language I have already gained, by electing French.